Medical Science
BSc (Hons)
Key facts
UCAS code
B190
Start dates
September 2019 / September 2020
Course length
Full time: 3 years
Part time: part-time study is possible
Department
Department of Biological and Medical Sciences
UCAS Tariff Points
112
Overview
Our Medical Science degree provides a foundation for graduate-entry medical school.
You will study the function of the human body in health and disease. And look at molecular, cellular and systems levels.
On this course you will develop the practical skills and scientific knowledge future employers need. We’ll prepare you for further training or employment in a range of healthcare science professions or medical research.
You will gain a sound understanding of medical aspects of the human body in health and disease as the course builds on core biomedical science subjects. Primarily taught here by our teaching staff, some aspects are taught by health professionals from the local hospitals.
You will have the opportunity to work with our academics in research groups and explore such subjects such as:
- genetic damage induced by radiation
- the mechanisms of nicotine addiction
- how the heart and lungs function in health and disease.
With some of the UK's best hospitals on our doorstep, you will have excellent work placement and career opportunities.
How to apply
Typical offers
UCAS Tariff Points: 112
A Level: BBC
IB Points: 30
BTEC: DMM
Wherever possible we make our conditional offers using the UCAS Tariff. This combination of A-level grades would be just one way of achieving the UCAS Tariff points for this course.
Preferred subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics.
Students studying more than one science subject may receive a lower offer.
We seek to admit students who have the potential to make good scientists and accept that qualifications are not the only indicator of future potential. Typical offers also include:
- A-level grades BB plus 2 AS-levels at grade C (equivalent to 112 points).
- 1 12-unit vocational A-level grade BB plus 1 A-level or 2 AS-levels at grade C
- other recognised qualifications eg BTEC Nationals or Scottish qualifications.
If your combination of qualifications doesn't match our typical offer, please contact our admissions tutor.
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
A Level: You must have studied science post-16, either at A-level or equivalent. Preferred A-level subjects include Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Human Biology and Physics
GCSE: 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 (C), or above, including Mathematics, English Language and 2 Sciences
You must have studied science post-16, either at A-level or equivalent qualification. If you do not have a background in science, we encourage you to consider our Life Sciences foundation year, taught at Abingdon and Witney College. Successful completion of this enables students to progress on to the BSc Medical Science (and a range of undergraduate degrees in the faculty - see website for more details).
Please also see the University's general entry requirements.
English requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Pathways courses for international and EU students
If you do not meet the entry requirements for this degree, or if you would like more preparation before you start, you can take an international foundation course. Once you enrol, you will have a guaranteed pathway to this degree if you pass your foundation course with the required grades.
If you only need to meet the language requirements, you can take our pre-sessional English course. You will develop key language and study skills for academic success and you will not need to take an external language test to progress to your degree.
Terms and Conditions of Enrolment
When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Credit transfer
Many of our courses consider applications for entry with credit for prior learning. Each application is individually assessed by our credit entry tutors.
If you would like more information about whether or not you may be eligible for the award of credit, for example from an HND, partly-completed degree or foundation degree, please contact our Admissions team.
We operate the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). All undergraduate single modules are equivalent to 7.5 ECTS credits and double modules to 15 ECTS credits. More about ECTS credits.
Application process
Full time Home / EU applicants
Apply through UCASPart time Home / EU applicants
Apply direct to the UniversityInternational applicants
Apply direct to the UniversityFull time applicants can also apply through UCAS
Tuition fees
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
Please note tuition fees for Home/EU students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by government. Tuition fees for International students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students.
Oxford Brookes University intends to maintain its fees for new and returning home and EU students at the maximum permitted level.
Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course, if any, are detailed below.
Financial support and scholarships
Learning and assessment
The course is structured to give you a sound understanding of medical aspects of the human body in health and disease. It builds on core biomedical science subjects.
The first year gives you the opportunity to experience a broad range of subjects. The modules lay the foundation for the advanced modules in Year 2 and your final year where themes are further developed. And gives you a better understanding of where you want to focus your second and final years.
You will be able to choose modules to suit your particular interest in the molecular life sciences or physiological sciences. The emphasis is on the interdisciplinary nature of causes and treatment of disease.
You will have the option to select a modular pathway that emphasises the physiological principles underpinning medical science at a systems level.
If you’re unsure about which course to study, there is some flexibility within your subject area once you get here.
Study modules
Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from that shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.
Learning and teaching
Teaching and learning methods include:
- lectures
- practicals
- tutorials
- seminars
- surgeries.
You will have the opportunity to attend seminars given by visiting speakers from around the world.
As well as delivering this course with local hospitals, we work alongside colleagues who are in the forefront of research. This includes work on:
- DNA repair
- disease biofilms
- clinically important immunohistochemistry tests
- deep brain stimulation for symptom relief.
Our research in these areas underpins this course.
Medical science is a practical subject and we have a very good range of equipment. This includes:
- high-performance liquid chromatography equipment
- confocal and electron microscopes
- specialised laboratories for tissue culture
- microbiology
- physiology
- microscopy.
- Lectures and seminars
- Placement
- Other learning activities (including group work, research, conferences etc.)
Year 1
- Lectures and seminars - 27%
- Placement - 0%
- Other learning activities (including group work, research, conferences etc.) - 73%
Year 2
- Lectures and seminars - 21%
- Placement - 0%
- Other learning activities (including group work, research, conferences etc.) - 79%
Year 3 (optional placement year)
- Lectures and seminars - 0%
- Placement - 100%
- Other learning activities (including group work, research, conferences etc.) - 0%
Year 4 (or year 3 if no placement)
- Lectures and seminars - 21%
- Placement - 0%
- Other learning activities (including group work, research, conferences etc.) - 79%
Learning and teaching percentages are indicative. There may be slight year-on-year variations.
Assessment
Assessment methods used on this course
The course includes a variety of teaching, learning and assessment methods.
Assessment methods include:
- essays
- reviews
- examinations
- laboratory
- field notebooks
- scientific reports
- posters
- oral presentations.
Reflective learning is encouraged through the use of:
- self reflection
- peer or staff formative feedback
- group work
- project work
- reflective diaries.
- Written exams
- Coursework
- Practical exams
Year 1
- Written exams - 45%
- Coursework - 55%
- Practical exams - 0%
Year 2
- Written exams - 31%
- Coursework - 69%
- Practical exams - 0%
Year 3 (optional placement year)
- Written exams - 0%
- Coursework - 100%
- Practical exams - 0%
Year 4 (or year 3 if no placement)
- Written exams - 31%
- Coursework - 69%
- Practical exams - 0%
Assessment method percentages are indicative. There may be slight year-on-year variations.
Study Abroad
You may be able to go on a European or international study exchange while you are at Brookes. Most exchanges take place in the second year. Although we will help as much as we can with your plans, ultimately you are responsible for organising and funding this study abroad.
After you graduate
Career prospects
A degree in Medical Science from Oxford Brookes is the first step to a wide range of career opportunities in biomedical science, clinical science, health care management and clinical trials co-ordination. Many leading universities around the world now have graduate medical schools. This degree is excellent preparation for entry into medicine or study as a health care practitioner.
As many as 50% of our graduates each year are appointed to research posts in universities, research institutes or biotechnology companies, while others pursue careers allied to medicine and health care.
Our courses are designed to equip you with the skills you need for employment. We put a strong emphasis on developing the multidisciplinary graduate attributes needed to keep ahead in a rapidly changing workplace.
Further study
The BSc degree is well designed to provide a foundation for graduate-entry medical school or further academic training in the life and medical sciences (eg MSc and PhD level degrees).
Free language courses
Free language courses are available to full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students on many of our courses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.
Information from Discover Uni
Programme Changes: On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website.
For more information, please visit our Changes to programmes page.